Knee decisions — 2022

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for right and left knee disabilities due to a pre-decisional duty to assist error. The Veteran's reported in-service injury, event, or disease is not supported by the evidence.

The Board has determined that the VA Centralized Eligibility and Appeals Team (CEAT) decision denying eligibility for PCAFC benefits was inadequate, as it did not address whether the Veteran requires personal care services each time he completes one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). The case is being remanded to conduct an updated medical review.

The Veteran's need for regular aid and attendance due to his service-connected disabilities has been granted, resulting in special monthly compensation based on aid and attendance.

The Veteran is seeking compensation under 38 U.S.C. § 1151 for right knee arthrofibrosis status post total knee arthroplasty, which he alleges was caused by delayed physical therapy provided by VA. The Board has determined that a remand is necessary to obtain an adequate medical opinion regarding the cause and aggravation of his condition.

The Board has determined that new and relevant evidence was received to warrant readjudicating the claims of service connection for right and left knee disorders. The claims are now remanded for further development.

The Veteran's right knee condition is not currently diagnosed, and the appeal for service connection has been denied.,The Veteran's right arm condition was withdrawn by the appellant before a decision could be made.,The Veteran's left knee patellar dislocation is currently diagnosed but its relationship to service remains unclear.

The Board has granted service connection for a left ankle disorder and remanded the issues of service connection for RLS, right wrist, and right knee disorders.

The Board denied earlier effective dates for increased ratings and service connection due to the fact that entitlement arose from worsening of pre-existing disabilities, as evidenced by May 2020 disability benefits questionnaires (DBQs).,No new evidence was submitted within one year prior to the receipt of the intent to file in October 2019.

The Veteran's Trauma and Stressor Related Disorder is now rated at 70 percent, effective July 1, 1996.,Service connection for Right Knee Degenerative Arthritis was granted with an effective date of July 1, 1996.

The Board denied service connection for a left knee disability, a left shoulder disability, and gout due to the absence of evidence showing these conditions were incurred or aggravated by military service.,There is no medical evidence linking any current left knee, left shoulder, or gout disabilities to service.

The Veteran's appeal for left knee condition was withdrawn and dismissed. The claim for bilateral hip condition was denied as there is no current diagnosis of a hip condition.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there are conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and knee conditions. The claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and left knee osteoarthritis will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there are conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and knee conditions. The claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and left knee osteoarthritis will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and examination, as there are conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's hearing loss and knee conditions. The claims of service connection for left ear hearing loss and left knee osteoarthritis will be readjudicated based on the new evidence.

The Board has remanded the issue of service connection for a right knee disability due to inadequate opinions and incomplete records. The Veteran's right knee condition is presumed to have existed prior to service, but there is no clear and unmistakable evidence that it was aggravated by service. The examiner must provide an opinion on whether the current right knee disabilities are related to service.

The Veteran's claims for increased ratings for total right and left knee replacements are being remanded due to inconsistencies regarding his availability for VA examinations. The Board requests clarification from the Veteran and schedules new VA examinations to assess the current severity of his service-connected knee disabilities.

The Board has determined that the VA medical opinions provided do not comply with the remand instructions and thus, the claims for service connection are being remanded again.

The Veteran's appeals for a higher rating and compensation for his total right knee replacement have been dismissed as he withdrew the appeal during the September 2022 Board hearing.

The Veteran's right knee disability is related to an in-service injury, event, or disease. Service connection for this condition has been granted.

The Board has remanded the cases for further development and evaluation due to conflicting medical opinions regarding the Veteran's right knee disorder and left foot disorders. The claims are being returned to the agency of original jurisdiction (AOJ) for additional consideration.